YOUR FIRST DIVE
What to expect before taking your first breath underwater.
FIRST DIVE?
Your first dive is exciting – and it’s completely normal to have questions.
What does it feel like to breathe underwater? How does all the equipment work? What if you can’t equalise your ears? And how do you communicate when you can’t talk?
You don’t need to know any of this before you arrive. Your instructor will explain everything, give you time to get comfortable and guide you through each step.
This guide gives you a little head start, so you know what to expect and can simply look forward to getting in the water.
Ready? Let’s start at the beginning.
Your first dive, step by step.
You don’t need to prepare much for your first dive. A few simple things can make the day more comfortable.
Get a good night’s sleep, have a normal breakfast and drink enough water. Avoid alcohol before diving and don’t arrive on an empty stomach.
A few things worth bringing:
💧 A reusable water bottle – it helps us cut down on single-use plastic.
☀️ Swimwear, towel and sun protection.
🤿 A hair tie for long hair – and a thin rash guard if you tend to get cold.
If you have a cold, a blocked nose or problems with your ears, let your instructor know. Equalising is important as you descend, and it should never be forced.
You’ll also be asked a few questions about your health before diving. Some medical conditions or medications may mean that you need medical clearance before getting in the water.
If you’re nervous, say so. There’s no rush – your first dive starts when you’re ready.
01
BEFORE YOU DIVE
Simple things that make your first dive easier.
02
YOUR GEAR
What you’ll be wearing underwater.
MASK
Lets you see clearly underwater and covers your nose so you can equalise.
WETSUIT
Keeps you warm underwater and protects your skin. If you tend to get cold, a thin rash guard underneath can help.
REGULATORThis is what you breathe through. Breathe slowly, evenly and continuously – never hold your breath.
BCD
The jacket that holds your tank and helps control your buoyancy in the water.
TANK
Carries the compressed air you’ll breathe during your dive.
WEIGHTS
Help you descend and stay comfortably underwater.
FINS
Make moving through the water easy without using your hands.
It may look like a lot at first, but don’t worry –
your instructor will show you how everything works before you get in the water.
Before your first dive, your instructor will explain exactly what’s going to happen. You’ll learn how to use your equipment, how to breathe through the regulator, how to equalise your ears and the basic hand signals you’ll use underwater.
You’ll also talk about getting into and out of the water, staying close to your instructor and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.
There’s no need to remember everything at once. You can ask questions, take your time and go over anything again before you start.
The most important thing: if you’re not comfortable with something, say so.
Want to know a little more before your dive?
Take a look at PADI’s how-to videos for some of the basic scuba skills.
03
THE BRIEFING
We’ll go through everything before you get in the water.
04
HAND SIGNALS
How we talk underwater.
We can’t talk underwater, so we use hand signals instead. Before your dive, your instructor will show you the ones you’ll need.
Don’t worry about remembering them all – these are the most important ones for your first dive.
05
INTO THE WATER
This is where it begins.
Your equipment is on, everything has been checked and your instructor is right there with you.
Before going underwater, take a moment to get comfortable. Put the regulator in your mouth and take a few slow, steady breaths at the surface first. Breathing through a regulator can feel a little unusual at first – that’s completely normal.
When you’re ready, you’ll start to descend slowly with your instructor. Equalise your ears early and often, and never force it. If your ears don’t feel right, signal your instructor and stop the descent.
There’s no need to rush. Take your time, keep breathing – and enjoy that first moment underwater.
06
UNDERWATER
Now you can simply enjoy it.
Once you’re underwater and comfortable, everything starts to slow down. Stay close to your instructor and breathe slowly, evenly and continuously.
Never hold your breath.
You don’t need to swim fast or do anything complicated. Small, relaxed movements with your fins are enough. Your instructor will stay close, guide you and help you throughout the dive.
Look around, take your time and enjoy the Red Sea. If something doesn’t feel right, use the hand signals you’ve learned and let your instructor know.
Keep breathing. Stay relaxed. Look around – and enjoy being underwater.
When it’s time to finish the dive, your instructor will let you know and guide you back towards the surface.
You’ll ascend slowly together. Keep breathing normally and continuously, and stay close to your instructor.
Once you’re back at the surface, your BCD will help you float comfortably while your instructor takes care of the next steps.
And then comes the best part – realising you’ve just completed your first dive.
07
BACK TO THE SURFACE
Slowly back up – together.
08
WHAT’S NEXT?
Maybe this was just the beginning.
Your first dive is over – and now you know what it feels like to breathe, move and explore underwater.
If you loved it, you can simply dive with us again.
Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, the Open Water Diver course gives you the skills and certification to become a certified diver.
Not sure what’s right for you? Just ask us. We’ll be happy to help you find the next step that suits you.
Your dive starts with a message.